At the end of 2021, the Executive Board decided to earmark 2.5 million euros to finance (or co-finance) social projects linked to the sustainable development of the port on the left bank of the Scheldt and/or will help to generate support for the port. One of the first projects that can count on the support of MLSO is the project to improve access to Fort Liefkenshoek, in which MLSO is investing as much as 1,382,168 euros.
"Fort Liefkenshoek is located in the heart of the port on the left bank of the Scheldt and is situated right next to the river Scheldt itself. Due to the presence of a DeWaterbus stop, the fort is increasingly and automatically taking on the role of a welcoming gateway for the port on the left bank of the Scheldt and its surroundings and is fulfilling that role all the more since the arrival of the new catering outlet that opened recently. The construction of a new car park, a pedestrian bridge that will double as a second emergency access, and the restoration of the historic profile of the outer ramparts were urgently needed. It is a massive project, but one that will have a direct impact on the area."
Boudewijn Vlegels, Chairperson of MLSO.
The project to improve access to Fort Liefkenshoek was started a few years ago and forms the final piece of an entire project during which the whole site has been taken in hand. As part of the Sigma Plan, De Vlaamse Waterweg (The Flemish Waterway) rebuilt the dike. In 2018, the stop for DeWaterbus was constructed by the Antwerp Port Authority and De Vlaamse Waterweg and the new hospitality point that opened recently was funded by the municipality of Beveren. With support from MLSO, the final component can now also be implemented.
Since the environmental permit for the project has already been obtained, the works will actually be able to get under way this autumn. They will proceed in two phases: first, the outer wall will be addressed, followed by the pedestrian bridge and construction of the new car park By June 2023, everything should be ready.
"The construction of the new car park in particular will not only improve the situation for visitors to Fort Liefkenshoek, but also for a lot of people who use the DeWaterbus stop there for their commute."
Boudewijn Vlegels, Chairperson of MLSO.
Collaboration with partners is crucial
Social projects wishing to qualify for a one-time project grant from MLSO need to fulfil a number of criteria. They must not only be sustainable, but must also have a link to the development of the port on the left bank of the Scheldt and/or help create support for the port. In addition, projects should have a lasting impact and preferably encourage further local developments. These are government projects that maximise co-financing to ensure broad involvement and support from various partners.
In addition to the project aimed at improving access to Fort Liefkenshoek, MLSO is also supporting the realisation of a jetty for DeWaterbus in Burcht (660,000 euros) and the realisation of a fence in the Schor Ouden Doel salt marsh that will enable sheep to be used for ecological verge management (5,500 euros).